"Mr. Ye Feng, please have a seat."
After closing the creaky wooden door, the director sat down on a squeaky chair and spoke to Ye Feng with a tone of deep concern.
"Mr. Ye Feng, you are correct. There is indeed a rule here that children must leave the welfare home to make a living once they reach adulthood."
"What about a child like Shen Mengli?"
"She must also follow the rules."
After a long pause, the director reluctantly uttered these words, then added in a hushed voice,
"To be honest with you, Mr. Ye Feng, Mengli... has been an adult for almost a year now."
"What? It's already been a year?"
Hearing this, Ye Feng was also shocked. According to the director's words, Shen Mengli should have left the welfare home long ago. But since she was still here, it must mean the director had done something to keep her.
"Yes, but Mr. Ye Feng, you must understand that I couldn't possibly let Mengli leave the welfare home alone. Besides, who would take in someone with her condition? So, I temporarily assigned her as a handyman at the welfare home to keep her here. But it's been almost a year now, and even the thickest walls will eventually let in the wind."
The director's face was filled with worry, and it was clear that she genuinely cared for Shen Mengli.
"Mengli has been lonely since she was a child. Because of her condition, she hasn't had many friends. Although she gets along well with the other children here, I know her heart is like a stone—it has never truly come to life..."
"I tried to help Mengli break free from the shadows in her heart, but her stubbornness runs too deep. I couldn't do it."
The director lowered her head, and the sorrow in her voice made Ye Feng's heart ache.
"Director, you don't need to blame yourself. You've already done so much for Shen Mengli."
"But I still can't let go of that child! I've watched Mengli grow up since she was little. I truly can't bring myself to abandon her. I admit that my actions may seem unfair to the other children, but... but... she is the one who needs love the most among all of them."
At this point, Ye Feng fell silent. By now, he had completely forgotten about the task related to Shen Mengli. This child had already suffered more than she should have. If he were to add salt to her wounds, how would that make him any different from a monster?
To hell with the system! Whoever wants to do this task can have it! I'm not twisted enough to harm such a pitiful girl.
Just as Ye Feng was about to take his leave, the director suddenly looked up at him.
"Mr. Ye Feng!"
"Dir... Director? Is there something you need?"
Caught off guard by the sudden address, Ye Feng immediately straightened up.
"You're different, Mr. Ye Feng!"
"Huh? Different? What do you mean?"
"Ever since you arrived at the welfare home, Mengli, who was always indifferent to everything, suddenly changed. Like the other day, I noticed she was waiting by the gate for your arrival. She's also been talking more than usual! That's why I believe you're the only one who can change Mengli!"
"Me? I don't think I can. You've been taking care of Mengli for so many years, Director. I've only met her a few times. How could I possibly make a difference?"
"That's not true! Mr. Ye Feng, don't you remember our earlier conversation? There's something special about your demeanor—it's as if you have the power to bring hope and vitality to people. That's why I told you not to show too much of your kindness."
"This... Director, isn't that a bit too far-fetched? I'm just an ordinary person. How could I have such an ability?"
The director didn't explain further. Instead, she fixed Ye Feng with a serious gaze.
"Please, Mr. Ye Feng! I'm entrusting Mengli to you! Only you can give her a new lease on life!"
"......."
Shen Mengli stared at the teddy bear resting on her pale legs, unmoving for a long time.
Mr. Ye Feng would be angry, wouldn't he? Someone like me, constantly denying his words, would make anyone think I'm beyond saving, right?
I don't want... I don't want to burden anyone anymore. I'm just a deadweight, a burden to everyone around me...
Maybe it's better this way. If everyone distances themselves from me, I won't have to drag anyone down anymore.
I'm sorry, Director Mom. I'm sorry, Wenwen. I'm sorry, Mr. Ye Feng...
I...
I can't change anything.
Shen Mengli clutched the teddy bear tightly with one hand, while the other hand lay open, holding several white pills. These were disinfectant tablets she had stolen some time ago while helping with cleaning. She had secretly read the instructions on the bottle, which clearly stated that ingesting them could be life-threatening.
It seems it's time to make an end of it. Father and Mother would be angry if they saw this, wouldn't they? But... but I really can't go on anymore... I don't want... I don't want to be a burden anymore...
Clutching the pills, Shen Mengli's small hand trembled slightly. She knew it was her fear trying to stop her, just like before.
Will it hurt?
Shen Mengli thought to herself.
But this time, she wouldn't run away. She wanted release—a dignified end.
Shen Mengli glanced fondly at the teddy bear in her hand and whispered, "I'll call you Little Feng... Goodbye, Little Feng."
Just as Shen Mengli was about to bring the pills to her mouth, a large hand suddenly snatched them away. The movement was so swift that Shen Mengli ended up swallowing nothing but air.
Huh?
Shen Mengli realized there was nothing in her mouth and turned to see Ye Feng glaring at her with a stern expression.
"Mr. Ye Feng..."
"What are you doing, Miss Shen?"
"I... I've caught a cold recently, so I need to take medicine. Please return the cold medicine to me!"
Shen Mengli maintained a calm expression, but her panicked eyes betrayed her nervousness.
"Oh? Cold medicine?"
Ye Feng looked at the slightly yellowed pills in his hand, which emitted a pungent odor. It was clear that Shen Mengli had been planning this for a while.
"Well, I've also been feeling under the weather lately. My body's been uncomfortable, so I'll take this medicine first."
As Ye Feng raised his hand to swallow the pills, Shen Mengli, sitting in her wheelchair, unexpectedly shouted, "No!"
"Hmm?"
Ye Feng stopped and leaned down to look at the now-agitated Shen Mengli.
This girl finally doesn't look so lifeless. Her flustered expression is actually quite endearing.
"What's wrong, Miss Shen? Is there a problem?"